Airline agents often use the terms "FAA" and "DOT" almost interchangeably. They are not! The FAA regulates safety issues. The DOT is responsible for gathering data and tracking complaints about the airlines.
That being said, the DOT won't care how much you paid for your ticket but the airline should. Unfortunately when they are over-sold the last to check-in are the first to be bumped regardless of what you paid. It is always a good idea to check-in online for flights and obtain a seat assignment. As long as you are at the boarding gate when they begin the boarding process you cannot be involuntarily denied boarding.
When one is involuntarily denied boarding the airline will try to offer compensation in the form of a voucher. You have a right to request cash compensation which is calculated by the value of the fare paid. I'm guessing this is the only time the fare paid for the ticket was a consideration because they obviously didn't want to cut a check and issued a voucher instead. The acceptance of a voucher also allows the airline to report the denied boarding to the DOT as voluntary rather than involuntary.
|